Dr. Emilia Ezeude, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Keeping Hope Alive Foundation, an organisation she has used to touch lives, has reaffirmed her political commitment under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following her defection from the Labour Party.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Dr. Ezeude, who contested as the Labour Party candidate for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, said her move to the ADC is driven by the need to join hands to rescue Nigeria from its current economic decline.
“There is really nothing much to update anyone on. The hardship in the country is visible to all. Both the rich and the poor are struggling, and that is part of the motivation for joining the coalition that has metamorphosed into ADC. By God’s grace, we are joining hands with others to wrestle power from the ruling party, because there are still Nigerians who believe in the Nigerian project and are determined to save this country from further economic decline,” she said.
On Political Antagonism
Reacting to speculations that she faced antagonism within her former parties, Dr. Ezeude dismissed such claims as normal political competition.
“What people call antagonism is simply aspirants pursuing their political ambitions. Everyone wants to secure the party ticket, and that comes with healthy contestation. I don’t see it as antagonism, but rather the usual dynamics of politics. By God’s grace, whatever comes, we are equal to the task,” she explained.
On ADC’s Prospects
When asked about her prospects in ADC compared to her former platforms, Dr. Ezeude noted that politics in Nigeria remains fluid, but expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential.
“Politics is very dynamic, especially in Nigeria. The coalition is still new, and we are observing how things unfold. Ultimately, it will be left to the people to decide. That said, I strongly believe ADC has bright chances in Ajeromi-Ifelodun,” she said.
She reiterated her claim that she won the 2023 elections under the Labour Party but insisted ADC has what it takes to deliver victory in 2027.
“The truth is that everyone in Ajeromi-Ifelodun knows what happened in the last election. I maintain that I won under the Labour Party. The ADC, with its experienced and less self-serving members, stands a strong chance in 2027,” she stated.
On Absence at Key ADC Events
Clarifying her absence from two major ADC events, Dr. Ezeude explained that she was officially represented at one, where her speech was delivered by her media aide, while her absence at another was due to family commitments.
“At the August event, I was called to represent the constituency at the state level, and I was well represented locally. As for the Abure members defection event, I had to attend my elder brother’s birthday as the Ada of the family. Nonetheless, my team was on ground to welcome the new members into ADC,” she said.
On Opposition Claims
Responding to statements by PDP defectors who joined APC, boasting that they would collapse opposition structures in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Dr. Ezeude dismissed such remarks as “cheap talk.”
“Everyone is free to say whatever they like, but talk is cheap. What really matters is good governance. Nigerians today are less concerned about party labels and more about results. What people want are the true dividends of democracy,” she stressed.
On Youths and Voter Education
Dr. Ezeude expressed concern about the role of youths in politics, accusing political leaders of weaponizing poverty.
“Many young people don’t understand the power of their vote. Selling a vote, even for a million naira, is shortchanging one’s future because the money cannot sustain a family for long in today’s economy. I focus on voter education because the power of the vote is the power to secure a better tomorrow,” she emphasized.
On Keeping Hope Alive Foundation
Addressing suggestions that her NGO is a political instrument, Dr. Ezeude laughed off the claims, highlighting the foundation’s longstanding record of humanitarian work.
“The foundation has been touching lives across Nigeria long before politics. Just last week, we concluded a widows’ empowerment program. These initiatives are not political but humanitarian,” she clarified.
On Fears in ADC
Dr. Ezeude declared that she has no fears about her political journey in ADC.
“I do not have any iota of fear. We trust in God and do our best as humans. With God on our side, there is no fear. All will be well,” she concluded.
